1908 The Hoffman House Bartender's Guide by Charles S Mahoney

TO KEEP ANTS AND INSECTS OUT

The bane of many a saloon keeper is ants and other insects which get in the mixing and cordial bottles, but they can be exterminated and future attacks prevented with a little care and patience. At night, on Sundays, and holidays, or whenever the place is closed stand the bottles in glass or china saucers containing a little water, and it will be im possible for any wingless insect to gain access to the stoppers. Wooden plugs can be put in squirt stoppers. During the day, or business hours, it would be very inconvenient to have the bottles standing in water, for they would be in constant use, and there would be too much moisture. If you do not use much in the line of cordials or gum, buy only small quantities at a time, and make them inaccessible to the insect pests. Borax and powdered sugar will keep roaches away but not if the place is kept unclean and damp. Keep your place as clean and as dry as possible, and you will find you will be troubled very little.

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